Released on July 3, 1985... this now iconic sci-fi comedy film by director Robert Zemeckis
would slowly become the most successful picture of that year, grossing $383 million from its
$19 million dollar budget.
Family Ties heartthrob Michael J. Fox stars as a somewhat delinquent teenager who is accidentally
sent back in time 30 years, where he inadvertently jeopardizes his own existence.
Alongside him, in an extremely fun and endearing relationship is Christopher Lloyd as the eccentric
scientist responsible for converting a DMC DeLorean into a time machine.
To which Fox confusingly questions, " Ah...
Are you telling me that you built a time machine...
out of a DeLorean?".
The Oscar-nominated screenplay was largely inspired from producer Bob Gale's curiosity
surrounding his own parents' life in high school.
Indeed, the plot finds Fox playing matchmaker between his 17-year-old parents in the mid
1950's, while simultaneously working with a younger version of Lloyd's character to
get himself back to the future.
The plot smartly keeps things local and contained: focusing on believable drama between the characters,
rather than a bloated science fiction story.
The wholesome but stunning Lea Thompson plays Fox's rambunctious mother in a truly unique
and amusing role, while Crispin Glover brings the nerdy father character to life with an
almost uncomfortable level of realism and awkwardness.
Meanwhile, the imposing Tom Wilson turns in a brilliant performance as the school bully,
expertly blending his foolish malapropisms with a threatening demeanor.
The subtle, expert-caliber performances by all involved are an earnest embodiment of
an entire generation.
Phrases like, "Hey McFly", and "Great Scott" have entered our cultural lexicon.
Without drawing attention to itself, Zemeckis' trademark style, of impressively long, unbroken
shots reminds us how film can be both captivating entertainment, and an artistic accomplishment.
Delivering the film's intricate exposition is an ingenious in-film scale-model, built
as much for the characters' benefit as the audiences' - quickly and easily explaining
the consequences and goals of the movie's final act: thus allowing the dramatic conclusion
to be so much more enjoyable, as it plays out unimpeded by questions or confusion.
Similarly, a Polaroid illustrating eventual consequences of Fox's temporal escapades functions
perfectly as a ticking-clock for the audience.
Well paced, never once does the tension slack, or the narrative hurry, especially during
the climatic finish, which keeps me on the edge of my seat every time I watch.
Contributing a grandiose sound usually reserved for larger epics, the score from composer
Alan Silvestri is a thrilling tour de force: lending the picture a hefty dose of its suspense.
80's rocker Huey Lewis even contributes some upbeat pop-ballads, as well as an ironic cameo.
Themes of forgotten youth, friendship and idealism are explored with an undeniable emotional
resonance; thanks largely to the steadfast attention to detail, where even a shy-smile
or a glance says everything you need to know.
The geniuses at Industrial Light At Magic did a tremendous job with the numerous special
effects shots, with one lone exception.
By all accounts, this film is a contemporary classic, but given the lore surrounding the
picture, it's amazing it was ever finished at all.
Fox is nothing short of remarkable, and endlessly relatable as the lead, but an entire month
of production was actually filmed with Eric Stotlz in the famous role of Marty McFly.
Similarly, early drafts of the script had the recognizable gull-winged time vehicle
replaced by a refrigerator...
we can only imagine how much different this film might have been without these changes.
Aside from a few minor continuity errors and tiny plot holes, this 116-minute picture is
a monument of cinema, and is ostensibly flawless in doing so.
Although occasionally materialist with some of its themes, it is masterfully successful
in conveying sweeping emotions, from tension, embarrassment and guilt, to anxiety, love
and fear.
More importantly though, the picture is downright hilarious half the time, like when Fox scares
Glover into asking Thompson on a date by dressing up in a radiation suit, with a "futuristic"
hair-dryer.
A massive hit, and a top-50 mainstay on IMDb's top-rated list, this time travel adventure
would spawn two sequels, an animated TV series, a theme park ride, video games, and an Academy
Award for sound effects.
It is extremely difficult for me to objectively review this PG-rated adventure like I would
any other film... because, quite simply, it isn't any other film... it is my favorite
film.
One I have absolutely cherished and adored since I visited Universal Studios as a kid.
I've visited many of the picture's real-life filming locations, I've sat inside several
replica time machines, and I own everything from scale-models and original movie posters
to replica props signed by the cast.
Suffice it to say, I really love this film, and it is a chief reason I pursued a career
in media production.
The extremely well-written characters, quotable dialogue, seamless visuals, clever plot developments,
amazing performances, and top-tier directing make this movie an emotional, and technical
marvel: delivering a truly entertaining, almost inspirational experience only strengthened
on many repeat viewings.
"Back To The Future" is an "Extraordinarily powerful and rewarding masterpiece."
Now that you've listened to the longest review I've ever written, let's see what you had
to say about this wonderful film in the YouTube comments.
"Back To The Future" on the Rate-O-Matic... the highest possible score, a TEN from each
of us.
Not a single person said anything negative, with more than two-thirds of those who voted
giving it a nine or higher, you thought it was AMAZING.
I've never done this before, but as the Factor Facts show, I'm giving this a perfect score,
a 100/100.
A reflection of its timeless entertainment value, technical accomplishments, and emotional
impact.
Without question, this is an AMAZING film.